Behind the scenes of the Wrigleyville firehouse
Just past the left field foul pole at Wrigley Field is a firehouse that is as rich in history as the “Friendly Confines.” For fans all over the country, this establishment is one of many places to visit while catching a ball game at one of the most iconic venues in sports.
“We’ve had people come to travel and see the Cubs and they actually Googled, ‘Hey, what can you do before a Cubs game around Wrigley Field?’ and one of the Google things said go by the firehouse,” Lt. Dave Riordan said. “We leave our door open and we talk to the fans, we interact all day long. We let them take pictures and things like that. It’s not just firefighting and EMT stuff. We’re a little public relations where we deal with the public all the time.”
Engine No. 78 has been a firehouse since 1894, celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. From signed Cubs jerseys to various fire department patches from around the country, there is a unique opportunity to be able to share their work as well as bring joy to fans.
“It gives you a sense of pride because we spend a third of our lives here working every third day, here for 24 hours, so them coming into your second home, it gives you some pride,” firefighter Dave Gorzycki said.
It’s not just fans that get the opportunity to look inside the firehouse. Former and current Cubs players have stepped inside to look around from Ben Brown to Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.
However, there’s a folklore surrounding Cubs managers to avoid entering the firehouse.
“Allegedly, there’s a curse on managers. They really shouldn’t cross the threshold otherwise they’re going to be fired that year. I know personally it happened to Joe Maddon. He came in and that’s the year he was let go [2019]. I don’t know for it to be 100% true,” Lt. Riordan stated.
2016 will be a year Cubs fans will never forget and for Gorzycki, it was a memorable first day on the job starting with Game 3 of the 2016 World Series.
“My very first day, my captain comes in off shift and he says, ‘How would you like to do the flag ceremony tomorrow?’ and I said, ‘Am I allowed to?’ He said, ‘Yes you are. Be here at 5 p.m. sharp and get ready to go onto the field and hold the flag for the national anthem,'” Gorzycki recalled.
While it is a thrilling feeling to work across the street from the federal landmark, when the alarm goes off, the firefighters at Engine No. 78 answer the call.